Liberty Bell Award

The Liberty Bell Award was established more than 40 years ago to acknowledge outstanding service performed by a non-lawyer citizen who has given time and energy to strengthen the effectiveness of the American system of freedom under law, in keeping with the spirit of our Constitution. It is awarded to someone who has promoted better understanding of the rule of law, encouraged greater respect for law and the courts, stimulated a sense of civic responsibility, or contributed to good government in the community.

2019 Liberty Bell Award Recipient

We are pleased to announce that the 2019 Liberty Bell Award will be awarded to Mary Claire Landry, Executive Director of the New Orleans Family Justice Center.

The New Orleans Bar Association presented the 2019 Liberty Bell Award to Mary Claire Landry at the NOBA Young Lawyers’ Section Law Day Program on May 10, 2019. The New Orleans Bar Association’s Liberty Bell Award recognizes an exceptional non-lawyer leader whose life is dedicated to serving the community in strengthening and promoting the American system of justice.

Mary Claire Landry is the Founder and Director of the New Orleans Family Justice Center Alliance (NOFJA). Her dedication to ending family violence, child abuse, sexual assault and stalking has earned her many accolades. In 2014 she was honored at a reception on the 20th Anniversary of the Violence against Women Act by Vice-President Joe Biden, and in 2015 she was inducted into the Louisiana Justice Hall of Fame.

In addition to her work for NOFJA, Landry continually advocates for laws to protect victims throughout Louisiana. She regularly provides support for victims and their families during court appearances. Her passion to ensure that victims are secure inspires all she works with—her staff, law enforcement, attorneys and advocates who work with victims.

After the presentation of the award, the 4th Grade students from Bonella A. St. Ville Elementary School had a Q&A about this year’s Law Day theme, selected by the ABA, Free Speech, Free Press, Free Society.

The New Orleans Bar Association Young Lawyers’ Section hosted its annual Law Day Program in the Courtroom of Judge Zainey, Eastern District of Louisiana .

March 15th of each year (Nominations received after deadline will be considered for the following year’s award.) To submit a nomination, please email Helena Henderson or fax the nomination to (504) 525-6549.